Our annual live storytelling fundraiser is going virtual

Stream Telling Tales

Friends,
    
     The bad news? We can't be with you in person for this year's Telling Tales storytelling event. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have had to makes some changes to our annual Telling Tales fundraising event, which will now be livestreamed May 22. SAC cares deeply about the health of our performers, attendees, and supporters want to make sure everyone can enjoy Telling Tales in an environment that is comfortable for them.

     The good news? We are working hard to make it a powerful night and we hope even MORE of you can join us across the country. More than ever, connection through stories is critical.

     The educational needs of our students are only growing, as schools are shut down. Our team has been hard at work, connecting virtually, delivering items to homes and offering different virtual groups. We've had virtual IEPs and still had to advocate for expelled students denied support in this time.

     You can support SAC by purchasing a ticket or donating today. Stay safe and healthy.

Warmly,

     #GivingTuesdayNow is a new global day of giving and unity that will take place on May 5, 2020 – in addition to the regularly scheduled Dec 1, 2020 #GivingTuesday – as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19.

    For #GivingTuedayNow the SAC is hosting a Facebook watch party and encouraging folks to buy their tickets to Telling Tales on this day.

     We will be watching "You Can't Give Up," a short, moving documentary on SAC alum Jakobie (Kobie) Pillar by award-winning and former CNN Correspondent Anthony Collings. The documentary focuses on how Kobie avoids the school- to-prison pipeline and the impact of his SAC mentor. Click here to be invited.

Telling Tales Details 

• The show starts at 7:30 p.m. May 22 (tune in earlier for a photo presentation).
• A special musical performance by the "Aint Afraid" twins
• A theatrical piece exploring the work of our state-wide helpline done by EMU Theatre Students (CloseUp Alumni Members).
• Leo Sheng, a star of Showtime's The L Word: Generation Q, a trans activist, and a former SAC intern who grew up in Ypsilanti and was active as a teen at Neutral Zone. 
• Daicia Price, LMSW, Clinical Assistant Professor of Social Work at University of Michigan, who will share her personal experience of being kicked out of school and navigating homelessness.
• Marina Jimenez, a Ferris State University student who recently beat the odds and graduated high school with SAC’s help.
• Jasmine Williams, an 11th grader at Pioneer High School, telling the story of one of SAC's teens.
• Honorees Linda Edwards-Brown, retired Washtenaw County Trial Court Juvenile Division Administrator, and Kelly Mickel, principal at Erickson Elementary School, Ypsilanti Community Schools.
• A raffle during the event!
• Discount codes for Insomnia Cookies and Curry On!

Purchase your tickets today or learn more about Telling Tales Out of School by clicking on the link here. 

Linda Edwards-Brown is being recognized for outstanding service as a community member committed to underserved students, social justice and education for all.

Kelly Mickel is being recognized for outstanding service as an educator committed to underserved students, social justice and education for all.

Congrats to both of these phenomenal women!